Summer Reading Program Encourages Kids to Explore

By Amanda Rotella

The theme at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries this summer is FIND YOUR VOICE! Our voices have power. We use our voices to share stories, express ourselves, and spark change. Our voices include not only the sounds we make, but the words we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take each day to impact our world.

The Library Summer Reading Program encourages children to explore the world of books during their summer break. We want to foster a love for reading and learning, while preventing the summer slide—a phenomenon where students lose academic skills and knowledge over the summer months. Engaging in reading activities during this time helps children maintain and even enhance their literacy skills, ensuring a smoother transition back to school in the fall.

The Summer Reading Program offers a wide range of benefits for kids. Firstly, it allows them to discover the joy of reading for pleasure, without the pressures of school assignments or exams.

By choosing books based on their interests and preferences, children can immerse themselves in captivating stories, explore new worlds, and develop their imagination. Reading during the
summer also enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, while expanding their knowledge on various subjects.

As part of the Summer Reading Program, kids, teens, and families are encouraged to track how much they read to earn gift certificates to Atlantis Fantasy World and the Boardwalk Bowl, scoops of ice cream from The Penny Ice Creamery, and raffle tickets for the grand prize of a new bike!

The library also provides a variety of FREE programs to make the summer even more engaging and interactive. Join us for special events featuring the Circus of Smiles, Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom, the faeries from Happily Ever Laughter, and more!

We also have poetry workshops, family crafts and movie nights, and weekly storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers. These activities not only foster a sense of community among young readers but also promote creativity and collaboration.

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries Summer Reading Program is a valuable opportunity for children to continue their reading journey during the summer months.

By participating in this program and exploring the diverse range of books and activities available, kids can develop a lifelong love for reading, improve their literacy skills, and make the most of their time away from school.

We encourage you to read for fun, to learn a new skill, to make a new friend, and find your voice at the Santa Cruz Public Library this summer!

Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go online. For a complete list of all the Summer Reading Program activities and locations, see the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Summer Reading Program page at SantaCruzpl.org/SRP.